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By Erica Laning's own admission, her evolution as a swimmer has been dramatic.

She laughs at her humble beginnings.

'I learned how to swim when I was 2,' said Laning, a rising 17-year-old senior at Hardin Valley Academy.

'I was just a chubby little kid who liked to float on my back. It has been quite the transition.'

Indeed.

Laning, the Tennessee Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association state champion in the 500 and 200 freestyle, committed to Arizona State last Tuesday.

'My top three schools, other than them, were Arizona and Tennessee,' said Laning.

'I went through all of the pros and cons with each of them. When I went for my visit, Arizona State was a place that felt like home.'

Tennessee Aquatics coach Marshall Goldman said Laning's commitment to the Sun Devils is unconventional at first glance.

'She had many of the top 10 schools looking at her, but chose a school that is rebuilding,' said Goldman.

'She likes being her own person and forging her own way. I think it will be a good fit.'

Later this month, Laning will travel to Omaha, Neb., for the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials.

She must finish in the top six in the 200 free or in the top two in the 400 free to make the team, and earn a trip to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Laning had to meet qualifying standards to make the Olympic trials.

'Since then, I have been training, training and training,' she said.

'I train twice a day, every day except Wednesday and Saturday, for five hours a day. I train once a day on Wednesday and Saturday for two to two and a half hours. My main focus is on the trials. It's really cool.'

Laning is ranked fourth in the nation in her age group in the 500 free, with a best time of 4 minutes, 42.79 seconds.

She's ranked eighth in the 200 free, with a personal best of 1:46.36.

Laning is ranked 29th in the U.S. and 110th in the world in the 200 free for all age groups.

'My obvious goal is to make the Olympic team,' said Laning.

'We'll see what happens. The 200 is what I think I have the best shot in. If everything goes perfectly, that could possibly happen.'

Goldman said it would be a mistake to discount Laning's chances.

'She definitely has a shot, and we've seen stranger things happen,' said Goldman.

'She has got to drop about a second-and-a-half or another two seconds, but if anybody could do it, it would be her. She's a fierce competitor who does not like to lose.'

Two recent high school graduates coached by Goldman — Walker Higgins and Byar Long — will also attempt to make the Olympic team.